DUP minister says 'no' to drag queen library readings for children after PSNI has to escort performers past protest
The event was advertised as 'suitable for all ages and families' and aimed to 'champion individuality and inclusivity amongst its young audiences, featuring sing-alongs and dancing.'
The minister said: 'This event was not appropriate for children.
"I understand that Libraries NI was not the organiser and that it was a venue booking made by Eastside Arts Festival.'
Lady Portia read storybooks to the children, while Miss Dora Belle interpreted the stories into British Sign Language (BSL).
However Mr Lyons said the event didn't fall within Libraries NI's policy.
"This event should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy.
"I have directed my officials to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented.'
It's understood some local parents had concerns about the event and staged a protest outside the library.
The PSNI confirmed they attended the event after a report of a 'small demonstration' and two people were escorted from the building to ensure there would be 'no breach of the peace'.
A PSNI spokesperson said, 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday 1st August, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present.
'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace.
"At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.'
In footage circulating on social media from the event, a number of protestors can be heard making clear their opposition to the drag queens reading stories to the children at the event with shouts of 'leave our kids alone' and 'you do your thing but leave our kids alone' as they were leaving the venue, prompting Lady Portia to identify the story read to the children and to offer to meet the protestors.
The Belfast Telegraph has contacted both drag queens who took part in the event, with Lady Portia asking for privacy at this time and Miss Dora Belle had yet to respond to our request at the time of publishing.
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston had voiced his concerns to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons — whose department is in charge of libraries — following the event.
'I must ask whether you consider this an appropriate use of Libraries NI premises. In my view, it most certainly is not,' he wrote. 'Drag performance, by its very nature, is a sexualised and exaggerated parody of womanhood — rooted in adult entertainment and gender subversion.
'Why then is it considered acceptable for someone best-known for adult-themed performances to adopt the same persona while reading stories to children?'
Belfast Green councillor Anthony Flynn told the Belfast Telegraph those protesting outside drag queen story time events were "trying to disguise their vile hatred as concern".
"These events are safe, joyful, and inclusive. What those protesting actually fear is a world where kids can grow up free to be themselves."
"Their agenda is ugly and rooted in a deep-seated intolerance that has no place in a decent society."
In a statement Eastside Partnership said: "EastSide Arts Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and community in east Belfast.
'Over the past 14 years, we have developed festival programmes which are inclusive, diverse and reflective of the interests and feedback from those who attend our events.
"The 'Drag Queen Storytime with BSL Interpretation' event is one of our longest running events and returns every year based on the positive feedback from those who attend and engage with the event.
"Over the years we have worked alongside the artists involved to ensure we provide a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for families to listen to age appropriate stories.
'During one of our recent storytelling events, we were made aware of an incident outside of the event venue. To ensure safety and to minimise disruption we worked with local authorities to manage a safe exit for our attending families, staff and artists.'
'EastSide Arts Festival is committed to continue to develop a diverse, inclusive, safe, accessible and welcoming festival programme that celebrates and reflects all aspects of the community."
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